TS 13291

TS 13291 is a vocational standard for the typographer occupation, setting out the definition of printing, the classification of the occupation, and the framework for measuring and evaluating the qualities expected of a typographer. Its focus is on how the trade is identified, how occupational levels may be grouped, and how the relevant attributes are assessed.

The technical context of printing and the typographer role

Printing, in general technical terms, covers the processes used to reproduce text and graphics on a substrate. In practice, this usually involves prepress preparation, the printing operation itself, and post-press finishing. A typographer is the worker associated with these stages, helping ensure that production runs accurately, consistently, and in line with workflow requirements. Depending on the print method and workplace, the tools and equipment may include printing machines, plate or form preparation equipment, paper handling systems, and other production materials.

How the standard frames occupational evaluation

• Defining the concepts of printing and typographer
• Establishing a classification framework for the occupation
• Setting out how occupational qualities are to be measured and evaluated
• Taking the tools and equipment used in the occupation into account

Standards of this type provide a common technical language for training design, hiring, and competency assessment. The underlying purpose is to organize the attributes that indicate whether someone can perform the occupation at the expected level, while the detailed normative content here is limited to the scope and title information available for this edition.